Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo - Developments 2016
- Thread starter TZFan
- Start date
Huh, interesting, there was still signage up for the Scarlet, they must not have taken it down yet. The island looks a little empty without them, the two blues just don't fill the space well enough
Went to the zoo today. Here’s what I noticed.
No Snow Leopards were on exhibit in the morning. Not sure why.
No Tree Kangaroos were on exhibit in the morning, but they had access to both off exhibit and the exhibit itself. So chances are they were off exhibit. There is also new signage asking people to keep quiet so the Tree Kangaroos can get used to the exhibit.
Last time I was at the zoo I noticed that the Black Widow Spider looked dead in the exhibit. Today the Black Widow exhibit was empty.
Couldn’t help but go to the bird show again. Great chance to work on birds in flight shots. Still a work in process. The show is slowly working more birds into the show, but I haven’t seen the full cast like they had during the summer of last year. However, there are a couple of new additions to the show that haven’t been featured before. Today was the third showing of Great Horned Owl, Butters, which was awesome to see. She seemed like such an energetic bird, and watching her silent flight was quite the treat. Today was the second time Striped Skunk, Tommy made an appearance in the show. There’s also Harris Hawk Jango, which is great to see.
No Snow Leopards were on exhibit in the morning. Not sure why.
No Tree Kangaroos were on exhibit in the morning, but they had access to both off exhibit and the exhibit itself. So chances are they were off exhibit. There is also new signage asking people to keep quiet so the Tree Kangaroos can get used to the exhibit.
Last time I was at the zoo I noticed that the Black Widow Spider looked dead in the exhibit. Today the Black Widow exhibit was empty.
Couldn’t help but go to the bird show again. Great chance to work on birds in flight shots. Still a work in process. The show is slowly working more birds into the show, but I haven’t seen the full cast like they had during the summer of last year. However, there are a couple of new additions to the show that haven’t been featured before. Today was the third showing of Great Horned Owl, Butters, which was awesome to see. She seemed like such an energetic bird, and watching her silent flight was quite the treat. Today was the second time Striped Skunk, Tommy made an appearance in the show. There’s also Harris Hawk Jango, which is great to see.
Went to the zoo today. Find out quite a bit of stuff, so bear with me.
Butterflies are just about in full gear in the Malayan Woods Pavilion for those interested.
Spotted some interesting behavior with the Gorillas in the outdoor exhibit. A bobcat skid steer was working around the African Restaurant making a lot of noise. Ngozi seemed pretty uncertain with the noise it was making, as she couldn’t see the actual vehicle. At one point, she picked up Nneka and frantically climbed up the structure with Nassir promptly following her. She caused enough commotion that Charles got up and checked on what alerted her. Eventually he grunted and sat back down. Ngozi calmed downed after Charles’ grunt. Everyone went back to enjoying their day.
Also, the African Restaurant construction, closed off the outdoor seating area, making it indoor seating. A smart move considering the lack of seating in the winter.
Noticed that the Red River Hogs are still being kept separated. One is usually outdoors, while the other is indoors. I know we have a new female, but has she not been introduced to the male yet?
White Rhinos are still grouped as three, Tom and the girls. Last week Sabi was cycling. Not sure if any breeding occurred.
Canada Lynx kits have grown a bit since I last saw them. Ember took them out of the den and moved them up to the small box den above. I tried getting some shots, so hopefully I’ll have some to post either later today or tomorrow.
Managed to see the new Tree Kangaroo, Collins. He’s noticeable smaller than Harrington and even Nokopo. Any idea what his age is, as well as Nokopo for that matter. He was pretty active while he searched out his new stomping grounds.
Update on Komodo Dragons. Last November Kiki was sent to London, ON to get an MRI to see if there is anything wrong reproductive wise. The results from that were that Kiki had quite a bit of fatty tissue that may be hindering her reproductive capabilities. So she’s currently on a diet to help with that. She was also recently put with Kilat for breeding, but she showed no interest in him, which led to him biting her. Keepers had to intervene and get in the exhibit to break them apart. Keepers have shields and sticks for getting in the exhibit with them and breaking them apart.
Also, never knew that there are heating pads all throughout the Komodo Dragon exhibit, keeping the ground a toasty 50 degrees, which is much warmer than the rest of the pavilion.
Saw 3 Tur calves on exhibit. I remember TZFan mentioning multiple births and deaths, but I can’t remember how much ended up living after everything was said and done.
Still no Snow Leopards on exhibit. They weren’t on exhibit Friday either. Anyone have any idea why?
During the Cheetah talk, the Keeper mentioned that they are hoping to receive some new male Cheetahs from another zoo in the fall. If I remember correctly there was a zoo getting a new batch of Cheetahs from Africa, so hopefully some fresh blood can be entered into the gene pool. Can’t remember the zoo in question.
Also, the Cheetah runs is currently happening on Tuesday, Thursday and the Weekends, weather permitting. Starting July 1st it will be every day.
At the Lion talks, they are feeding only Fintan. The rest of the lions know to stay back while he eats. If you’re lucky, they’ll all gather and watch. Apparently it doesn’t happen all the time. The cubs have grown quite a bit, as they are now eating the same amount of food as Lemon. The cubs are now all over 100lbs, Lemon is 250lbs, Makali is 350lbs, making her a bit on the chubby side. Keepers are working out a diet to get her a bit leaner. And finally Fintan is a healthy 450lbs, although the cubs continue to pluck out his mane, so it doesn’t look fully grown in on the back of his neck.
Indian Rhino talk was pretty interesting. Nandu is now over 600lbs. Keeper mentioned that zoos usually sendoff Rhino calves around 2 years of age, which is the timeline they are currently looking at.
Butterflies are just about in full gear in the Malayan Woods Pavilion for those interested.
Spotted some interesting behavior with the Gorillas in the outdoor exhibit. A bobcat skid steer was working around the African Restaurant making a lot of noise. Ngozi seemed pretty uncertain with the noise it was making, as she couldn’t see the actual vehicle. At one point, she picked up Nneka and frantically climbed up the structure with Nassir promptly following her. She caused enough commotion that Charles got up and checked on what alerted her. Eventually he grunted and sat back down. Ngozi calmed downed after Charles’ grunt. Everyone went back to enjoying their day.
Also, the African Restaurant construction, closed off the outdoor seating area, making it indoor seating. A smart move considering the lack of seating in the winter.
Noticed that the Red River Hogs are still being kept separated. One is usually outdoors, while the other is indoors. I know we have a new female, but has she not been introduced to the male yet?
White Rhinos are still grouped as three, Tom and the girls. Last week Sabi was cycling. Not sure if any breeding occurred.
Canada Lynx kits have grown a bit since I last saw them. Ember took them out of the den and moved them up to the small box den above. I tried getting some shots, so hopefully I’ll have some to post either later today or tomorrow.
Managed to see the new Tree Kangaroo, Collins. He’s noticeable smaller than Harrington and even Nokopo. Any idea what his age is, as well as Nokopo for that matter. He was pretty active while he searched out his new stomping grounds.
Update on Komodo Dragons. Last November Kiki was sent to London, ON to get an MRI to see if there is anything wrong reproductive wise. The results from that were that Kiki had quite a bit of fatty tissue that may be hindering her reproductive capabilities. So she’s currently on a diet to help with that. She was also recently put with Kilat for breeding, but she showed no interest in him, which led to him biting her. Keepers had to intervene and get in the exhibit to break them apart. Keepers have shields and sticks for getting in the exhibit with them and breaking them apart.
Also, never knew that there are heating pads all throughout the Komodo Dragon exhibit, keeping the ground a toasty 50 degrees, which is much warmer than the rest of the pavilion.
Saw 3 Tur calves on exhibit. I remember TZFan mentioning multiple births and deaths, but I can’t remember how much ended up living after everything was said and done.
Still no Snow Leopards on exhibit. They weren’t on exhibit Friday either. Anyone have any idea why?
During the Cheetah talk, the Keeper mentioned that they are hoping to receive some new male Cheetahs from another zoo in the fall. If I remember correctly there was a zoo getting a new batch of Cheetahs from Africa, so hopefully some fresh blood can be entered into the gene pool. Can’t remember the zoo in question.
Also, the Cheetah runs is currently happening on Tuesday, Thursday and the Weekends, weather permitting. Starting July 1st it will be every day.
At the Lion talks, they are feeding only Fintan. The rest of the lions know to stay back while he eats. If you’re lucky, they’ll all gather and watch. Apparently it doesn’t happen all the time. The cubs have grown quite a bit, as they are now eating the same amount of food as Lemon. The cubs are now all over 100lbs, Lemon is 250lbs, Makali is 350lbs, making her a bit on the chubby side. Keepers are working out a diet to get her a bit leaner. And finally Fintan is a healthy 450lbs, although the cubs continue to pluck out his mane, so it doesn’t look fully grown in on the back of his neck.
Indian Rhino talk was pretty interesting. Nandu is now over 600lbs. Keeper mentioned that zoos usually sendoff Rhino calves around 2 years of age, which is the timeline they are currently looking at.
With regards to the red river hogs my understanding is that Philip and Tisa were together last fall and getting along very well. Then over the winter they went to the health center... or one did... while their holdings underwent renos. When they returned Philip and Tisa no longer got along. I do not know whats being done to reintroduce them and ease tension.
Tree Kangaroo, Collins, is two or three. I don't have an exact birth date for him.
Three tur kids would be the right number based on the last numbers I have heard.
With the snow leopards I don't have a firm answer but possibly it could be because Kpta and Ena are together for breeding... why Tiga wouldn't be out would be a good question then. But then again just because you don't see a snow leopard on exhibit doesn't mean there isn't one.
I think the goal for the cheetahs was to pick one up from Parc Safari. They have a whole group of imports minus Azu who Toronto gave to them in exchange for hyena, Echo. In that group there is a pair of full brothers and a brother sister pair. A brother from either pair could easily leave with their sibling there to represent the genetics. But could easily be another zoo at this point. There is still hope for the San Diego female to arrive and breed as well.
Tree Kangaroo, Collins, is two or three. I don't have an exact birth date for him.
Three tur kids would be the right number based on the last numbers I have heard.
With the snow leopards I don't have a firm answer but possibly it could be because Kpta and Ena are together for breeding... why Tiga wouldn't be out would be a good question then. But then again just because you don't see a snow leopard on exhibit doesn't mean there isn't one.
I think the goal for the cheetahs was to pick one up from Parc Safari. They have a whole group of imports minus Azu who Toronto gave to them in exchange for hyena, Echo. In that group there is a pair of full brothers and a brother sister pair. A brother from either pair could easily leave with their sibling there to represent the genetics. But could easily be another zoo at this point. There is still hope for the San Diego female to arrive and breed as well.
A look at the production that was the panda twins birth.
Tiny panda cubs’ birth a huge PR production, Toronto Zoo documents show - Toronto | Globalnews.ca
Tiny panda cubs’ birth a huge PR production, Toronto Zoo documents show - Toronto | Globalnews.ca
Some construction "behind" the Africa restaurant (smoke's side) - re-adding some outdoor seating.
TZFan - Lindy and Jerroh's birthday is July 14th. Keepers are looking at having them out for the day.
Zoo magazine says an app is coming out which will help with a map (hopefully a big help to the non-regulars) and with pre-ordering at the restaurants. Not sure if member's discount included.
That said, I built an Android app recently featuring keeper talk schedule, exhibit locating features (using Google maps), and a bit of an animal database. Anyone interested in giving it a try? Message me your email address if so.
TZFan - Lindy and Jerroh's birthday is July 14th. Keepers are looking at having them out for the day.
Zoo magazine says an app is coming out which will help with a map (hopefully a big help to the non-regulars) and with pre-ordering at the restaurants. Not sure if member's discount included.
That said, I built an Android app recently featuring keeper talk schedule, exhibit locating features (using Google maps), and a bit of an animal database. Anyone interested in giving it a try? Message me your email address if so.
Just got back from the zoo. Only two major points of interest.
First got to talk to a rhino keeper for a few minutes. Tom was very interested in Zohari and they were sparring a little. She said Zohari was protecting Sabi from Tom but at that point Tom had no interest in Sabi. Apparently he is often more interested in the one not about to cycle... in this case Zohari. Sabi will cycle in about a week. If your looking for a way to tell the girls apart right now Zohari is sporting some lovely purple paint.
More interesting to me was the new fun crew. I was dragged down into the domain... I hate that hill... and before we started up this lovely gentleman in a golf cart stops and offers us a lift back to the top of the hill. Apparently their job is to ensure we are having fun. He didn't necessarily add to my fun but I was sure glad I didn't have to hike back out of the domain. I'm good for another 20 years or until the monorail returns or the Canadian Wilds is built whatever happens first. Anyone who has been avoiding the domain should take advantage of the zoo's fun crew this summer and head down.
First got to talk to a rhino keeper for a few minutes. Tom was very interested in Zohari and they were sparring a little. She said Zohari was protecting Sabi from Tom but at that point Tom had no interest in Sabi. Apparently he is often more interested in the one not about to cycle... in this case Zohari. Sabi will cycle in about a week. If your looking for a way to tell the girls apart right now Zohari is sporting some lovely purple paint.
More interesting to me was the new fun crew. I was dragged down into the domain... I hate that hill... and before we started up this lovely gentleman in a golf cart stops and offers us a lift back to the top of the hill. Apparently their job is to ensure we are having fun. He didn't necessarily add to my fun but I was sure glad I didn't have to hike back out of the domain. I'm good for another 20 years or until the monorail returns or the Canadian Wilds is built whatever happens first. Anyone who has been avoiding the domain should take advantage of the zoo's fun crew this summer and head down.
Oh after looking at my photos one other thing I wanted to ask about. There is a penguin that is nearly naked. He or she looks very rough. All of the other penguins look completely penguin normal. If it was time to molt I would think others would look rough. We are talking a penguin with virtually no feathers right now. Take a look in the gallery because I posted two photos of it. Anyone have any idea what's up with that penguin?
Haha, you clearly don't pay to much attention to the penguins then
That bird is completely normal. Like another poster said in the photo comments, they go through a catastrophic molt every year, and some of them can look EXTREMELY scruffy. Heck, some of the birds I work with put the pictured bird to shame in the "I look like I'm dying but actually not" department. Molting season is generally from May to September in North America(although smaller numbers molt throughout the year), so I would expect to see more as the summer goes on.
Edit: Actually, in the full body picture, you can see the bird behind and slightly to the left of the molting penguin has recently molted as well. Its plumage is still soft, dull and un-oiled. Give it another 1-2 weeks and the scrappy bird will look the same as the one behind it, and then another week or two until it is fully oiled and glossy again.
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I would never claim to be a penguin expert that is for sure. I have never seen them molting. Just a timing thing I am sure as I usually don't get to visit very often... this has been a good year. I never noticed the one in the background because I was so focused on the naked bird but now that you mention it I can see what you are saying. It's always fun to learn something new. Thanks Hyak_II for your expert knowledge.
An update the panda twins.
At eight months old, Toronto Zoo panda cubs starting to like bamboo - CityNews
At eight months old, Toronto Zoo panda cubs starting to like bamboo - CityNews
Seems Indian Rhino Asha and her calf Nandu will be off exhibit for the next couple days which explains why I didn't see them today. Asha broke off a section of her horn, so they want to give her time to heal the wound. This was announced on the zoo's twitter page:
https://twitter.com/thetorontozoo
https://twitter.com/thetorontozoo
As mentioned earlier, went to the zoo today. Got a new camera and had to test it out.
Again, as mentioned earlier, Vishnu was on exhibit all day, because Asha damaged her horn and Keepers want to give her sufficient time to recover before going back on exhibit with Nandu. She’ll be off exhibit for a couple days.
Didn’t notice any Orangutans on exhibit, but there’s a high possibility that they were in one of those two large buckets, staying out of sight.
Couple of exhibits were empty in the African Savanna of the zoo and this was starting around 9:30 in the morning. Gorilla’s weren’t out yet, indoors or outdoors. Hippos weren’t out. Kudu’s weren’t out, as the Keeper was still putting out food for the birds that were on exhibit. And to add to that, she placed the food in the back corner of the exhibit, where people would have a hard time seeing them from any of the 3 angles you can view that exhibit. And lastly the Cheetahs weren’t out. With the zoo expected to be overly busy this summer, it didn’t look good for the zoo. I watched dozens of people get a bad experience by seeing empty exhibits for no apparent reason.
Canada Lynx Ember and her kittens are now out of the small den, although I managed to catch them sleeping towards the back of the exhibit. Can’t wait to see them playing around in the exhibit.
Next to the Barbary Sheep exhibit I noticed another goat species that I didn’t initially recognized. Upon further observation and some minor research when I got home, I believe they were female Mouflon, all with no horns. Can anyone confirm that?
Again, as mentioned earlier, Vishnu was on exhibit all day, because Asha damaged her horn and Keepers want to give her sufficient time to recover before going back on exhibit with Nandu. She’ll be off exhibit for a couple days.
Didn’t notice any Orangutans on exhibit, but there’s a high possibility that they were in one of those two large buckets, staying out of sight.
Couple of exhibits were empty in the African Savanna of the zoo and this was starting around 9:30 in the morning. Gorilla’s weren’t out yet, indoors or outdoors. Hippos weren’t out. Kudu’s weren’t out, as the Keeper was still putting out food for the birds that were on exhibit. And to add to that, she placed the food in the back corner of the exhibit, where people would have a hard time seeing them from any of the 3 angles you can view that exhibit. And lastly the Cheetahs weren’t out. With the zoo expected to be overly busy this summer, it didn’t look good for the zoo. I watched dozens of people get a bad experience by seeing empty exhibits for no apparent reason.
Canada Lynx Ember and her kittens are now out of the small den, although I managed to catch them sleeping towards the back of the exhibit. Can’t wait to see them playing around in the exhibit.
Next to the Barbary Sheep exhibit I noticed another goat species that I didn’t initially recognized. Upon further observation and some minor research when I got home, I believe they were female Mouflon, all with no horns. Can anyone confirm that?
Female mouflon
I was talking to one of the keepers today...they are female mouflon. They've been in holding since the renovations to Eurasia started. Once they've had the final OK from vets, they apparently will be out in the Eurasia drive through.
I was talking to one of the keepers today...they are female mouflon. They've been in holding since the renovations to Eurasia started. Once they've had the final OK from vets, they apparently will be out in the Eurasia drive through.
I hope the return of the mouflon females to the herd does not result in any births. Breeding is not needed. The zoo will have a hard time placing offspring in AZA zoos as there is a move to switch from European Mouflon to Armenian Mouflon. But like with the tur, who are also a phase out species in the AZA, I can see the zoo ignoring that to get some babies in the drive through again. If the zoo would just let the Chamois, Tur, barbary sheep, mouflon and tahr die out they could get other species that have SSPs. That's four exhibits freed up and space in the drive through.
